One of the most effective, albeit hypocritical, tools used by the left to “sell” socialism to the American public is false compassion. Aided and abetted by the media, the left claims to be more compassionate toward the so-called victims in society—a message that plays well to Americans encouraged by trial lawyers and government bureaucrats to view themselves as victims. However, the truth is that conservatives are significantly more compassionate in giving to the needy than are liberals. For example, conservatives give a much higher percentage of their personal income to charity than do liberals. For a complete accounting of this fact—a fact that is little known because liberal journalists keep it under wraps—see Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth about Compassionate Conservatism (New York: Basic Books, 2006) by Arthur C. Brooks. What Brooks demonstrates in his book is that liberals are generous with the money of other people, but stingy with their own, and that the attitudes of liberals toward the needy are condescending, paternal, and opportunistic (i.e. if liberals can create a broad base of people who are dependent on the government they can ensure a broad base of support in elections).

In fact, with the assistance of the media and trial lawyers liberals have turned victimhood into one of America’s most prospering industries. Unfortunately, the so-called compassion of the left is the type that gives in to the alcoholic who begs for a drink or the addict who pleads for a fix. Giving might stop the tears for the moment, but it will just make the addiction worse in the long run. The unavoidable result of this advocacy of victimhood is the encouragement of dependence and entitlement. The more that people view themselves as entitled victims, the more dependent they become. The more dependent citizens become, the faster America slides downhill toward socialism.